E. coli Outbreak Investigation linked to Bulk Organic Walnuts

United States

The FDA has issued a warning against consuming, selling, or serving recalled organic walnuts sold in bulk bins at natural food and co-op retailers in multiple states. The walnuts, linked to a multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections, were distributed by Gibson Farms, Inc. There are a total of 12 reported illnesses in California and Washington. Seven people have required hospitalization and no deaths have been reported to date.

The recalled organic walnut halves and pieces were sold in bulk bins at natural food and co-op stores in AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, KS, LA, MT, NE, NM, NV, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA, and WY. Almost all sick people purchased organic walnuts from bulk bins in food co-ops or natural food stores in California and Washington.

Consumers who purchased the recalled organic walnut halves and pieces are advised to check their pantries, refrigerators, and freezers and to discard any of these products. They are also advised to clean and sanitize any surfaces and containers that may have come in contact with the product to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

The FDA advises retailers and distributors that purchased recalled boxes of Gibson Farms, Inc. organic walnuts halves and pieces with lot codes 3325-043 and 3341-501 not to sell this product and to notify their customers of the recall. The products were shipped to distributors between October 1, 2023, and April 24, 2024, with expiration dates of May 21, 2025, and June 7, 2025.

Symptoms of E. coli include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and/or vomiting, which can begin a few days after consuming contaminated food or up to nine days later. In severe cases, the infection can lead to life-threatening conditions such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, and neurological problems.

In case you are experiencing E. coli symptoms as described above, it is important to report it. It can help to detect & resolve outbreaks early and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance. If symptoms persist, seek medical care.

Source: www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-e-coli-o157h7-bulk-organic-walnuts-april-2024